Your furnace is the unsung hero of winter. It works hard to keep your home warm and cozy during the coldest months. But what happens when it starts showing signs of trouble? A damaged furnace doesn’t just mean a chilly environment; it can also pose serious safety risks.
At Comfort Zone Services, we’ve been providing emergency furnace repair in London, Ontario for over two decades, and we’ve seen it all, from banging and rattling to water leaks. In this post, we’re sharing nine signs that you should call in a professional to assess your heating system.
1. Strange Noises Coming From Your Furnace
Banging, rattling, squeaking, or buzzing sounds aren’t just annoying; they’re a red flag that something’s wrong with your heating system. Banging and rattling from your furnace could be caused by things like dirty furnace filters or burners, clogged vents, loose parts, or expanding air ducts.
What about buzzing? Is a buzzing furnace dangerous? While it could be due to loose components or a failing motor, it can also indicate an electrical issue, which can be a safety hazard.
Any time you hear weird sounds coming from your heating system, you should schedule a furnace repair appointment. Ignoring the issue can result in costly damage to your system.
2. Your Furnace is Blowing Cold Air
If you’ve been asking yourself, “Why is my furnace blowing cold air?” consider the following:
- Have you turned your heating system on recently? When turning your furnace on for the first time in a while, it takes a bit for it to warm up and purge the ductwork of cold air. So if your furnace has been dormant for a while, it’s normal if it blows cold air as long as it turns warm fairly quickly.
- Is your thermostat set to “heat?”
- Is your thermostat set to “fan?” Switching it to “auto” might get it going.
If the furnace continues to blow cold air after you’ve answered the questions above, it could be due to a dirty filter, leaky ducts, a flame sensor or pilot light issue, or a problem with your thermostat.
3. Frequent On-and-Off Cycling
Short cycling, which is when your furnace turns on and off too often, may be the result of a clogged air filter, a dirty or broken flame sensor, a malfunctioning thermostat, blower motor issues, or leaky ductwork.
Short cycling decreases energy efficiency, leading to higher bills, and causes wear and tear on your heating system. Booking a tune-up when you first notice the issue can help you avoid the need for a furnace replacement.
4. Water Pooling Around Your Furnace
A clogged condensate line or cracked heat exchanger can be behind water pooling around your furnace. Is a furnace leaking water dangerous? It can be. Having water around the unit poses an electrocution risk if you don’t take safety precautions. Plus, if not dealt with promptly, a leaking furnace can cause water damage and mold growth over time, potentially impacting your family’s health.
5. Burnt or Acrid Smells
If you detect a burnt or chemical odor, schedule an emergency furnace repair appointment as soon as possible. An acrid or burning smell can indicate an electrical problem or an overheating component.
6. Poor Indoor Air Quality
Suddenly dealing with more dust, allergens, or humidity issues in your home? Dirty furnace filters could be to blame. Replace your filters and see if your indoor air quality improves. If it doesn’t, call an HVAC professional because you could have a failing furnace on your hands.
7. Rising Energy Bills
A sudden spike in your energy bills for no clear reason generally means your furnace is working overtime to heat your home. Scheduling routine furnace maintenance and regularly changing air filters will go a long way in keeping your system efficient.
If you’ve had your yearly furnace tune-up and changed your filters, rising energy bills could be because of aging parts or an outdated system. In that case, you may want to consider buying a furnace that’s ENERGY STAR-certified for better efficiency and savings.
8. Uneven Heating or Cold Spots in the House
Do certain rooms in your house feel colder than others? First, make sure all of your vents are open. If they’re open, cold spots are a sign that your furnace isn’t distributing heat evenly, which can be caused by a problem with your ductwork, a malfunctioning blower, or a heating unit that’s simply past its prime.
9. A Gas Smell
If you smell gas, evacuate your home and call your gas utility company immediately. Gas leaks are extremely dangerous and should never be ignored. Once it’s safe, give our London heating contractors a call and we’ll conduct a full inspection.
How Long Does a Furnace Last?
A well-maintained furnace can last 15 to 20 years on average. If your furnace is nearing the end of its life expectancy, requires frequent repairs, or no longer heats your home efficiently, often, furnace replacement will be your most cost-effective option. One of our licensed technicians can provide a free in-home estimate for furnace installation.
How Much Does a New Furnace Cost?
The cost of a new furnace varies depending on factors like the make and model, the size of your home, and the complexity of the installation. A survey of Canadians found on average, people paid between $4,000 and $6,500, including installation, for a new natural gas furnace. The team at Comfort Zone Services can help you choose the right heating system for your home and budget, so you can get the best value.
Don’t Get Stuck in the Cold. Schedule Emergency Furnace Repair in London, Ontario Today!
If you notice any of these warning signs, don’t delay. A quick furnace tune-up can prevent a complete breakdown, and addressing more serious problems in a timely manner can keep your home and family safe. For trusted furnace repair in London, Ontario, call Comfort Zone Services at 226-210-6206.
Our HVAC professionals are always ready to help get your system back up and running. In fact, we offer 24/7 emergency service. And if you’re ready to upgrade to an energy-efficient model, we also offer furnace installation and replacement. Contact us for a free in-home estimate today!